Doubts raised about Provenge's efficacy; Breast cancer vaccine triggers an immune response;

> Activist Marie Huber has raised doubts about the efficacy of Provenge, the first therapeutic cancer vaccine, in prostate cancer. Article

> New hepatitis C antibodies could point to vaccine targets. Press release

> Generex Biotechnology subsidiary Antigen Express' AE37 breast cancer vaccine triggers an immune response, which could back up its ability to reduce recurrence. Press release

> Cancer stem cells could be used as an approach to cancer vaccination. Press release

> Astellas Pharma and Vical have finalized the design of a pivotal Phase III trial of TransVax, a therapeutic CMV vaccine for transplant recipients; the trial is planned for the second half of the year. Press release

> Whooping cough vaccine efficacy seems to wear off in pre-teens. Abstract | Article

> Merck ($MRK) has published efficacy and safety data for its shingles vaccine Zostavax in adults aged 50 to 59. Press release

> Bacillus Calmette-Guérin, a vaccine against tuberculosis, is a standard of care for some forms of bladder cancer; in Phase III trials, the Connaught strain of bacillus Calmette-Guérin is more effective than the Tice strain. Press release

> Inovio Pharmaceuticals ($INO) has received a U.S. Department of Defense SBIR grant to develop needle-free DNA vaccines against viruses with bioterrorism potential, including hanta, puumala, arenavirus and pandemic influenza. Press release

And Finally… Chile stops using mercury in vaccines. Press release